SNAP4CT Blog

Summer is almost over. It makes me sad just typing that. But this means... the kids are BACK IN SCHOOL! What are you going to feed those (always) hungry mouths after school? The good news is, farmers markets have tons of fresh fruits and veggies right now. And you know lots of markets will DOUBLE your SNAP dollars, right? Cha-ching.

In honor of our love for farmers markets and school being in full-swing (and our need for healthy snacks), I present to you...

...A week of after-school snacks for 2 kids with $5 at the farmers market. Be sure to choose a market that DOUBLES your SNAP dollars! (Find Connecticut Farmers Markets here.) If your kids will eat a plain piece of fruit or vegetable for a snack, you rock. And they rock. And your grocery list will be much shorter and cheaper. But because many won't, we have to use a few grocery staples for these as well. Still a pretty good deal for a week of fun, healthy, and EASY snacks.

Hungry for more? Check out our other snacks here:

Growing your own food is a fun way to save money and get you (and your kids!) eating healthier. No room for a lush garden in your backyard? Or no backyard at all? Don't let that keep you from planting! "Container gardens" are easy to care for and work in just about any space. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Pick your plant.

For sunny spots OUTSIDE:

For sunny spots INSIDE:

2. Pick your container. It could be a jar, can, or milk carton!

3. Add drainage.

Poke holes in the container bottom (you can use a hammer and nail with cans). For solid containers like glass or clay, add small rocks for drainage.

4. Add the plant + potting soil to your container.

You don't have to add plant food, but your plant will grow more if you do!

5. Pick a sunny spot near a window or outside, and enjoy!

Here are a few recipes to make with your home-grown fruits, veggies, or herbs!

Chances are, your kids will riot if you try to trade out their Halloween candy for fruit and veggies. To keep the peace, it may not be a good idea to throw all the Halloween candy... But we can give them a few healthier options leading up to the big day. Here are some cute ideas to make this month fun!

Mini-Jack-O-Lantern

Oranges and clementines make the perfect mini jack-o-lanterns! A black permanent marker can get you there. Let the kids choose what kind of faces to draw, then they can chow down on their creations.

Spooky Popcorn Hands

Put the kids to work, stuffing plastic gloves with popcorn (and almonds for fingernails). They'll have just as much fun playing with this snack as they will eating it!​

Apple Nachos

Are your kids (um... or you) dying to sink their teeth into a caramel apple? Apart from being way less messy, these Apple Nachos are also a healthier option. You just might be able to talk the kiddos into eating these as a post-trick-or-treating snack (and delaying the candy coma).

M O N S T E R M O U T H S!

Fun. Tasty. Sort of creepy. Pretty much exactly what kids are looking for in a snack. Monster mouths are made by slathering peanut butter between 2 apple slices, then adding peanuts or pumpkin seeds for teeth. Try sunflower seed butter and raisins for kids with nut allergies.

With the weekend just beginning, the last thing anyone wants to think about is Monday. But what if I told you your Mondays might actually be more relaxing than anything you've got planned?

That's right: if you live in the Meriden area and are looking for something to do with your Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grader on a Monday night, then head to the Public Library for Yoga Storytime. Pairing basic yoga and movement with several books, the event is a staple at the Meriden Public Library. And if you can't make it this Monday? No worries, the event is held every Monday, so there are plenty of opportunities for the little learner in your life to get acquainted with their vowels and their "Tree Pose".

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​This information was funded by the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.SNAP helps low-income people buy nutritious food for a better diet. To get more information contact the CT Department of Social Services at 1 855 626-6632 or www.CT.gov/dss.